Vessel sealing instrument with suction system

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure is directed to a forceps having an end effector assembly including first and second jaw members. At least one of the jaw members is movable relative to the other between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position for grasping tissue therebetween. Each jaw member includes an electrically-conductive tissue-contacting surface adapted to connect to a source of energy to treat tissue grasped between the jaw members. A suction system is disposed proximate the first and second jaw members and is configured to apply suction to a surgical site upon activation thereof.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S.Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/906,019, filed on Nov. 19, 2013, theentire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to the use of medical instruments. Moreparticularly, the present disclosure is directed to vessel sealingdevices.

2. Background of the Related Art

A surgical forceps is a plier-like instrument which relies on mechanicalaction between its jaw members to grasp, clamp, and constrict tissue.Energy-based surgical forceps utilize both mechanical clamping actionand energy, e.g., RF energy, ultrasonic energy, microwave energy,thermal energy, light energy, etc., to affect hemostasis by heatingtissue and blood vessels to coagulate and/or cauterize tissue. Certainsurgical procedures require more than simply coagulating/cauterizingtissue and rely on the unique combination of clamping pressure, preciseenergy control, and gap distance (i.e., the distance between opposingjaw members when closed about tissue) to “seal” tissue.

Typically, once tissue is treated, e.g., sealed, the surgeon has toaccurately sever the tissue along the newly formed tissue seal.Accordingly, many surgical forceps have been designed which incorporatea knife or blade member that effectively severs the tissue after forminga tissue seal.

Vessel sealing instruments are used in many surgical procedures to sealand dissect tissue. Occasionally, during a surgical procedure, bleedingwill occur while the surgeon is using the vessel sealing instrument. Insuch situations, the surgeon may be required to stop use of the vesselsealing instrument, remove it from the surgical site, and insert aseparate suction device in order to clear the blood and other bodilyfluids that have collected at the surgical site.

SUMMARY

As shown in the drawings and described throughout the followingdescription, as is traditional when referring to relative positioning ona surgical instrument, the term “proximal” refers to the end of theapparatus that is closer to the user and the term “distal” refers to theend of the apparatus that is farther away from the user. The term“clinician” refers to any medical professional (e.g., doctor, surgeon,nurse, or the like) performing a medical procedure involving the use ofembodiments described herein.

In at least one aspect of the present disclosure, a forceps is providedthat includes an end effector assembly having first and second jawmembers attached at a distal end of a shaft. At least one of the jawmembers is movable relative to the other between a spaced-apart positionand an approximated position for grasping tissue therebetween. Each jawmember includes an electrically-conductive tissue-contacting surfaceadapted to connect to a source of energy to treat tissue grasped betweenthe jaw members A suction system is disposed proximate the first andsecond jaw members and is configured to apply suction to a surgical siteupon activation thereof.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, the suction system includesa tube attached to the shaft and is configured to connect to alow-pressure source. The tube may be disposed within the shaft and maybe selectively slidable within the shaft from a retracted position to adeployed position. In the deployed position, at least a portion of thetube may be extended to a position distal to the jaw members.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, one of the first or secondjaw members is fixed and integral with the shaft. The tube may be offsetrelative to the fixed jaw member.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, the forceps includes ablade disposed within the shaft and configured to cut tissue disposedbetween the jaw members. An actuator is configured to selectively deployand retract the tube.

Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method forperforming a surgical procedure including providing a vessel sealingdevice having two opposable jaw members operably connected to a shaft.At least one of the jaw members is configured to move relative to theother between an open position and a clamped position. A suction systemis included proximate one or both of the jaw members.

The method also includes: grasping a vessel between the two jaw membersand applying electrosurgical energy to seal tissue; and activating thesuction system to remove bodily fluids from the surgical site during thesurgical procedure.

The suction system may include a suction tube slidably disposed withinthe shaft of the vessel sealing device and the method may include thestep of deploying the suction tube from a retracted position to adeployed position to remove fluid and debris from the surgical site uponactivation of the suction system.

The method may include the steps of providing a vessel sealing devicehaving two opposable jaw members operably connected to a shaft, where atleast one of the jaw members is configured to move relative to the otherbetween an open position and a clamped position, disposing a suctionsystem proximate the first and second jaw members that is configured toapply suction to a surgical site upon activation thereof, grasping avessel between the two jaw members, applying electrosurgical energy toseal tissue, and suctioning bodily fluids from a surgical site duringthe surgical procedure.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, a vessel sealing deviceincludes an end effector assembly having first and second jaw members,at least one of the jaw members being movable relative to the otherbetween a spaced-apart position and an approximated position forgrasping tissue therebetween. Each jaw member includes anelectrically-conductive tissue-contacting surface adapted to connect toa source of energy to treat tissue grasped between the jaw members. Asuction system is disposed proximate the first and second jaw membersand is configured to apply suction to a surgical site upon activationthereof. The suction system includes a tube slidably disposed on or inthe shaft radially outwardly of the second jaw member relative to alongitudinal axis of the shaft. The tube is configured to move between aretracted position wherein the tube is proximal of a distal end of thefirst and second jaw members to a deployed position wherein at least aportion of the tube extends distally relative to the distal end of thefirst and second jaw members.

The tube may be disposed within the shaft. The tube may also beconnected to a suction tube deployment device that is operably connectedto the housing. The suction tube deployment device may include anactuator that deploys the tube from the retracted position via a button,a handle, a mechanical deployment system, an electro-mechanicaldeployment system, a lever, or a slide.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of the presentdisclosure will become more apparent in light of the following detaileddescription when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings inwhich:

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of an embodiment of a medical device inaccordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 1B is a partial, perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 1,shown with the jaw members in a closed position and a suction tube in aretracted position;

FIG. 1C is a partial, perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 1,shown with the jaw members in a closed position and a suction tube in adeployed position;

FIG. 1D is a partial, cross-sectional, side view of an embodiment of themedical device in accordance with the present disclosure, shown with thejaw members in an open position and the suction tube in a partiallyretracted position;

FIG. 1E is a partial, cross-sectional, side view of an embodiment of themedical device of FIG. 1D, shown with the jaw members in an openposition and a suction tube in a fully deployed position;

FIG. 1F is an enlarged, perspective view of the jaw members shown in anopen position with the suction tube in a partially deployed position inaccordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an open medical device in accordancewith another embodiment the present disclosure;

FIG. 3A is an enlarged, perspective view of the jaw members shownengaging tissue with the suction tube in a retracted position; and

FIG. 3B is an enlarged, perspective view of the jaw members showndisengaged from tissue and with the suction tube in a deployed position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Particular embodiments of the present disclosure are describedhereinbelow with reference to the accompanying drawings; however, thedisclosed embodiments are merely examples of the disclosure and may beembodied in various forms. Well-known functions or constructions are notdescribed in detail to avoid obscuring the present disclosure inunnecessary detail. Therefore, specific structural and functionaldetails disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, butmerely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis forteaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the presentdisclosure in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. Likereference numerals may refer to similar or identical elements throughoutthe description of the figures.

Referring now to FIGS. 1A and 2, FIG. 1A depicts a forceps 10 for use inconnection with endoscopic surgical procedures and FIG. 2 depicts anopen forceps 10′ contemplated for use in connection with traditionalopen surgical procedures. For the purposes herein, either an endoscopicdevice, e.g., forceps 10, an open device, e.g., forceps 10′, or anyother suitable surgical device may be utilized in accordance with thepresent disclosure. Different electrical and mechanical connections andconsiderations may apply to each particular type of device, however, theaspects and features of the present disclosure remain generallyconsistent regardless of the particular device used.

Turning now to FIG. 1A, an endoscopic forceps 10 is shown including ahousing 20 having a shaft 12 that extends therefrom and defines alongitudinal axis “X-X” therethrough, a handle assembly 30, and an endeffector assembly 100. Additionally, forceps 10 may be configured toinclude a rotating assembly 70 and a trigger assembly 80, as shown inFIG. 1.

Forceps 10 further includes a shaft 12 having a distal end 14 configuredto mechanically engage end effector assembly 100 and a proximal end 16that mechanically engages housing 20. Forceps 10 also includes cable 8that connects forceps 10 to an energy source, e.g., a generator “G”, orother suitable power source, although forceps 10 may alternatively beconfigured as a battery-powered device. Cable 8 includes a wire or wires(not shown) extending therethrough that has sufficient length to extendthrough shaft 12 in order to provide energy to at least one oftissue-contacting surfaces 112, 122 (FIG. 1F) of jaw members 110, 120,respectively. An activation switch 200 may be provided on housing 20 forselectively supplying energy to jaw members 110, 120.

With continued reference to FIG. 1A, handle assembly 30 includes fixedhandle 50 and a moveable handle 40. Fixed handle 50 is integrallyassociated with or rigidly attached to housing 20 and handle 40 ismoveable relative to fixed handle 50.

Moveable handle 40 is ultimately connected to a drive assembly (notshown in FIG. 1A) that, together, mechanically cooperate to impartmovement of jaw members 110 and 120 between a spaced-apart position andan approximated position to grasp tissue disposed between jaw members110, 120. As shown in FIG. 1A, moveable handle 40 is initiallyspaced-apart from fixed handle 50 and, correspondingly, jaw members 110,120 are disposed in the spaced-apart position. Moveable handle 40 iscompressible from this initial position to a compressed positioncorresponding to the approximated position of jaw members 110, 120.

Rotating assembly 70 is rotatable in either direction about longitudinalaxis “X-X” to rotate end effector assembly 100 about longitudinal axis“X-X.” Housing 20 houses the internal working components of forceps 10.

Forceps 10 may also include a ratchet assembly 31 for selectivelylocking the jaw members 110 and 120 relative to one another at variouspositions during pivoting. Ratchet assembly 31 may include graduationsor other visual markings that enable the user to easily and quicklyascertain and control the amount of closure force desired between thejaw members 110 and 120.

In order to effectively “seal” tissue or vessels, two predominantmechanical parameters should be accurately controlled: 1) the pressureor closure force applied to the vessel or tissue; and 2) the gapdistance between the conductive tissue contacting surfaces (electrodes).

Tissue pressures within a working range of about 3 kg/cm2 to about 16kg/cm2 and, advantageously, within a working range of 7 kg/cm2 to 13kg/cm2 have been shown to be effective for sealing arteries and vascularbundles.

In some embodiments, one of the jaw members, e.g., 120, includes atleast one stop member 175 (see FIG. 1F) disposed on the inner facingsurface of the electrically conductive sealing surface 122 (and/or 112).The stop member(s) is designed to facilitate gripping and manipulationof tissue and to define a gap “g” between opposing jaw members 110 and120 during sealing (See FIG. 3A). In some embodiments, the separationdistance during sealing or the gap distance “g” is within the range ofabout 0.001 inches (about 0.03 millimeters) to about 0.006 inches (about0.016 millimeters).

With reference to FIG. 1F, end effector assembly 100 of forceps 10 (FIG.1A) is shown. End effector assembly 100 may similarly be used inconjunction with forceps 10′ (FIG. 2), or any other suitable surgicaldevice. For purposes of simplicity, end effector assembly 100 isdescribed herein as configured for use with forceps 10 (FIG. 1).

Each jaw member 110, 120 of end effector assembly 100 includes aproximal flange portion 111 a, 121 a, a distal jaw portion 111 b, 121 b,an outer insulative jaw housing 117, 127 and a tissue-contacting plate112, 122, respectively. Proximal flange portions 111 a, 121 a of jawmembers 110, 120 are pivotably coupled to one another about a pivot 103for moving jaw members 110, 120 between the spaced-apart andapproximated positions. Distal jaw portions 111 b, 121 b of jaw members110, 120 are configured to support jaw housings 117, 127, andtissue-contacting plates 114, 124, respectively, thereon. Further, oneof the jaw members, e.g., jaw member 120, may include an energy-basedcutting member (not shown) disposed thereon, or a channel 115 forallowing a mechanical cutting member (not shown), e.g., a knife assemblyas described above, to pass therethrough. Trigger 82 of trigger assembly80 is operably coupled to the knife assembly (shown in FIGS. 1D-1F) forselectively translating a knife blade 134 (FIGS. 1D-1F and 3A-3B)through a knife channel 115 (FIG. 1F) defined within one or both of jawmembers 110, 120 to cut tissue disposed between jaw members 110, 120.The knife assembly (shown in FIGS. 1D-1F) is configured for longitudinaltranslation through channel 115 of jaw members 110, 120, e.g., uponactivation of a trigger 82 operably coupled to the knife assembly (shownin FIGS. 1D-1F), to mechanically cut tissue grasped between jaw members110, 120. Knife assembly (shown in FIGS. 1D-1F) may be configured formechanical cutting, or may be energizable, e.g., via electrical couplingto generator “G” (FIG. 1A) via the one or more wires (not shown) ofcable 8 (FIG. 1A), for electro-mechanically cutting tissue.

In embodiments having an electrical cutting member, the electricalcutting member can be similarly coupled to trigger 82 (FIG. 1A) andgenerator “G” (FIG. 1A) such that energy, e.g., electrosurgical energy,may be selectively supplied to cutting member and conducted throughtissue disposed between jaw members 110, 120 to either or both oftissue-contacting plates 112, 122 to cut tissue in a second mode ofoperation. A first insulating member may surround electrical cuttingmember to insulate tissue-contacting plate 122 and electrical cuttingmember from one another. A second insulating member (not shown) may bedisposed within a longitudinal slot defined within tissue-contactingplate 112 of jaw member 110 that opposes electrical cutting member toinsulate electrical cutting member from tissue-contacting plate 112 ofjaw member 110 when jaw members 110, 120 are disposed in theapproximated position.

Tissue-contacting plates 112, 122 are formed from an electricallyconductive material for conducting electrical energy therebetween fortreating tissue, although tissue-contacting plates 112, 122 mayalternatively be configured to conduct any suitable energy throughtissue grasped therebetween for energy-based tissue treatment, e.g.,tissue sealing. In embodiments having an energy-based cutting member(not shown), the energy-based cutting member may be formed from anelectrically conductive material for conducting electrical energybetween energy-based cutting member and one or both of tissue-contactingplates 112, 122 for electrically cutting tissue. Energy-based cuttingmember may alternatively be configured to conduct any suitable energythrough tissue for electrically cutting tissue.

Tissue-contacting plates 112, 122 are coupled to an activation switchsuch as trigger 82 (FIG. 1A) and generator “G” (FIG. 1A) or othersuitable source of energy, e.g., via the wires (not shown) extendingfrom cable 8 (FIG. 1A) through forceps 10, such that energy, e.g.,electrosurgical energy, may be selectively supplied to tissue-contactingplate 112 and/or tissue-contacting plate 122 and conducted therebetweenand through tissue disposed between jaw members 110, 120 to treat, e.g.,seal, tissue in a first mode of operation. In embodiments where theelectrical or mechanical cutting mechanisms and the tissue contactingplates are both activated via trigger 82, tissue may be simultaneouslysealed and cut.

Referring now to FIGS. 1A-1F, a suction system is configured for usewith forceps 10 (FIG. 1A). The suction system as described herein mayalso be configured for use with open forceps 10′ as shown in FIG. 2.However, for purposes of brevity, the suction system will be describedin detail herein configured for use with forceps 10 (FIG. 1A).

As shown, the suction system includes one or more tubes 113 connected toa low pressure source “L” via piping 9. Low pressure source “L” may beany device capable of providing a suction flow in tube 113, such as, butnot limited to, a vacuum pump. The tube 113 may be contained withinshaft 12 as shown in FIGS. 1A-1F, or may alternatively be attachedexternally to shaft 12. Tube 113 may also be used for irrigation byconnecting tube 113 to a source of fluid such as, but not limited to,saline solution. In this instance the suction system may be designed forpositive or negative flow.

In some embodiments, tube 113 may be disposed on or within forceps 10 ina fixed manner such that tube 113 may not slide longitudinally and isthus positioned at a fixed extension from shaft 12. However, as shown,tube 113 is slidably disposed within the forceps 10 and is selectivelyextendable via an actuator 199 such that movement of the actuator 199from an un-actuated position to an actuated position causes tube 113 totranslate between a retracted position and a deployed position. Actuator199 may include one or more buttons, a handle, a mechanical deploymentsystem, an electro-mechanical deployment system, a lever, or a slide,all configured to move the tube between the retracted and deployedposition.

At least part of the tube 113 is offset relative to or disposedproximate the first and second jaw 110, 120 members and is configured toapply suction to the area proximate the first and second jaw members110, 120. Tube 113 may be disposed underneath/above (radially offset)relative to one or both of the jaw members 110, 120. Alternatively, tube113 may be disposed in any other suitable manner, such as, but notlimited to, within a jaw member 120.

As shown in FIG. 1B, the tube 113 is shown in a retracted position suchthat the tube 113 does not extend past the grasping range of the jawmembers but still partially extends from shaft 12. Tube 113 may also befully enclosed by the shaft 12 when in the retracted position. FIG. 1Dshows the tube 113 partially extended below jaw member 120. In someembodiments, a locking mechanism (not shown) may be included to hold thetube 113 in the retracted position until a user unlocks the tube 113 forselective movement in order to prevent accidental deployment of tube113. The locking mechanism may be automatically activated (such as by aspring-loaded latch) or manually activated (such as by a finger switchor knob) upon transitioning the tube 113 to the retracted position.

FIGS. 1C and 1E show tube 113 in a fully deployed position extending atleast partially beyond end effector 100. In some embodiments, the fullydeployed position of the tube 113 may not extend beyond the end effector100. In some embodiments, a locking mechanism may be included to holdthe tube 113 in the deployed position until a user unlocks the tube 113for selective movement in order to prevent accidental retraction of tube113 during a procedure. The locking mechanism may be automaticallyactivated (such as by a spring-loaded latch) or manually activated (suchas by a finger switch or knob) upon the tube 113 reaching the deployedposition.

A suction valve, suction activator, or the like (not shown) may beincluded on or integrated with the housing 20 such that activation of asuction flow through tube 113 may be easily effected by a user by using,e.g., a handswitch. In some embodiments, the suction activator may beseparate from the housing 20, such as a footswitch. In some embodiments,the actuator 199, as described above, also acts as a suction valve orthe like such that when the actuator 199 is moved from the un-actuatedposition (FIG. 1B) to the actuated position (FIG. 1C), the actuatorsimultaneously activates suction flow through tube 113. The suction flowmay begin when the actuator 199 reaches the fully actuated position(FIG. 1C), or at some predetermined position prior to the fully actuatedposition. In some embodiments, the user may be required to hold theactuator 199 in the actuated position (FIG. 1C) for a preset time periodto begin suction. In other embodiments, a button or contact (not shown)may be disposed at the end of the path of movement of actuator 199 suchthat when actuator 199 is moved to the actuated position (FIG. 1C), thebutton or electrical contact initiates suction.

While the actuator 199 is shown to operate in a parallel linear fashionalong with tube 113, the actuator 199 may be configured in any desiredmechanical format to accommodate a desired ergonomic instrument layoutto facilitate activation.

Referring now to the embodiment of FIG. 2, open forceps 10′ is shownincluding two elongated shafts 12 a and 12 b, each having a proximal end16 a and 16 b, and a distal end 14 a and 14 b, respectively. Similar toforceps 10 (FIG. 1A), forceps 10′ is configured for use with endeffector assembly 100. More specifically, end effector assembly 100 isattached to distal ends 14 a and 14 b of shafts 12 a and 12 b,respectively. As mentioned above, end effector assembly 100 includes apair of opposing jaw members 110 and 120 that are pivotably connectedabout pivot 103. Each shaft 12 a and 12 b includes a handle 17 a and 17b disposed at the proximal end 16 a and 16 b thereof. Each handle 17 aand 17 b defines a finger hole 18 a and 18 b therethrough for receivinga finger of the user. As can be appreciated, finger holes 18 a and 18 bfacilitate movement of the shafts 12 a and 12 b relative to one anotherwhich, in turn, pivots jaw members 110 and 120 from an open position,wherein the jaw members 110 and 120 are disposed in spaced-apartrelation relative to one another, to a closed position, wherein the jawmembers 110 and 120 cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween.

A ratchet assembly 30′ may be included for selectively locking the jawmembers 110 and 120 relative to one another at various positions duringpivoting. Ratchet assembly 30′ may include graduations or other visualmarkings that enable the user to easily and quickly ascertain andcontrol the amount of closure force desired between the jaw members 110and 120.

With continued reference to FIG. 2, one of the shafts, e.g., shaft 12 a,includes a proximal shaft connector 19 which is designed to connect theforceps 10′ to a source of energy, e.g., generator “G”. Proximal shaftconnector 19 secures an electrosurgical cable 8′ to forceps 10′ suchthat the user may selectively apply energy to jaw members 110 and 120,as needed. One of the shafts, e.g., shaft 12 a, includes an activationswitch 90′ for selectively supplying energy to jaw members 110, 120.

Forceps 10′ includes a suction system disposed proximate the first andsecond jaw members and configured to apply suction to an area proximatethe first and second jaw members. The suction system includes a tube113′, similar to tube 113 as described above, that is connected to asuction source “L” as described herein. Tube 113′ may be slidablydisposed within at least one of the shaft members 12 a, 12 b andselectively extendable from an opening defined proximally of the endeffector 100. Tube 113′ may also be connected to an actuator 199′,similar to actuator 199 as described above, such that movement ofactuator 199′ between an un-actuated position and an actuated positioncauses movement of tube 113′ between the retracted position and thedeployed position.

Further disclosed is a method for performing a surgical procedureincluding the steps of providing a vessel sealing device such as forceps10, open forceps 10′, or other medical instrument having two opposablejaw members operably connected to a shaft, at least one of the jawmembers configured to move relative to the other between an openposition and a clamped position A suction system is included proximateone or both of the jaw members.

Referring now to FIGS. 3A and 3B, the method further includes the stepof grasping a vessel or tissue “T” between the two jaw members andapplying electrosurgical energy to seal tissue “T”. Before or aftersealing, bodily fluids “B” may form at the surgical site. To remove thebodily fluids “B”, the user activates the suction system to removebodily fluids “B” from the surgical site (FIG. 3B).

As described herein, the tube 113 may be slidably disposed in forceps10, and the method may also include the step of deploying the tube 113from the retracted position to the deployed position to remove fluid anddebris from the surgical site. The method may also include the step ofretracting the tube 113 after use.

The various embodiments disclosed herein may also be configured to workwith robotic surgical systems and what is commonly referred to as“Telesurgery”. Such systems employ various robotic elements to assistthe surgeon in the operating room and allow remote operation (or partialremote operation) of surgical instrumentation. Various robotic arms,gears, cams, pulleys, electric and mechanical motors, etc. may beemployed for this purpose and may be designed with a robotic surgicalsystem to assist the surgeon during the course of an operation ortreatment. Such robotic systems may include remotely steerable systems,automatically flexible surgical systems, remotely flexible surgicalsystems, remotely articulating surgical systems, wireless surgicalsystems, modular or selectively configurable remotely operated surgicalsystems, etc.

The robotic surgical systems may be employed with one or more consolesthat are next to the operating theater or located in a remote location.In this instance, one team of surgeons or nurses may prep the patientfor surgery and configure the robotic surgical system with one or moreof the instruments disclosed herein while another surgeon (or group ofsurgeons) remotely controls the instruments via the robotic surgicalsystem. As can be appreciated, a highly skilled surgeon may performmultiple operations in multiple locations without leaving his/her remoteconsole which can be both economically advantageous and a benefit to thepatient or a series of patients.

The robotic arms of the surgical system are typically coupled to a pairof master handles by a controller. The handles can be moved by thesurgeon to produce a corresponding movement of the working ends of theherein described forceps (e.g., end effectors, suction systems, knifes,etc.) which may complement the use of one or more of the embodimentsdescribed herein. The movement of the master handles may be scaled sothat the working ends have a corresponding movement that is different,smaller, or larger, than the movement performed by the operating handsof the surgeon. The scale factor or gearing ratio may be adjustable sothat the operator can control the resolution of the working ends of thesurgical instrument(s).

The master handles may include various sensors to provide feedback tothe surgeon relating to various tissue parameters or conditions, e.g.,tissue resistance due to manipulation, cutting or otherwise treating,pressure by the instrument onto the tissue, tissue temperature, tissueimpedance, suction strength/pressure drop, etc. As can be appreciated,such sensors provide the surgeon with enhanced tactile feedbacksimulating actual operating conditions. The master handles may alsoinclude a variety of different actuators for delicate tissuemanipulation or treatment further enhancing the surgeon's ability tomimic actual operating conditions.

It should be understood that the foregoing description is onlyillustrative of the present disclosure. Various alternatives andmodifications can be devised by those skilled in the art withoutdeparting from the disclosure. Accordingly, the present disclosure isintended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variances.The embodiments described with reference to the attached drawings arepresented only to demonstrate certain examples of the disclosure. Otherelements, steps, methods, and techniques that are insubstantiallydifferent from those described above and/or in the appended claims arealso intended to be within the scope of the disclosure.

What is claimed is:
 1. A forceps, comprising: a housing having a shaftextending therefrom; an end effector assembly attached at the distal endof the shaft including first and second jaw members, at least one of thejaw members movable relative to the other between a spaced-apartposition and an approximated position for grasping tissue therebetween,each jaw member including an electrically-conductive tissue-contactingsurface adapted to connect to a source of energy to treat tissue graspedbetween the jaw members; and a suction system disposed proximate thefirst and second jaw members and configured to apply suction to asurgical site upon activation thereof.
 2. The forceps of claim 1,wherein suction system includes a tube attached to the shaft andconfigured to connect to a low-pressure suction source.
 3. The forcepsof claim 2, wherein the tube is disposed within the shaft.
 4. Theforceps of claim 3, wherein the tube is selectively slidable within theshaft from a retracted position to a deployed position.
 5. The forcepsof claim 4, wherein in the deployed position, at least a portion of thetube is extendable to a position distal to the jaw members.
 6. Theforceps of claim 2, wherein one of the first or second jaw members isfixed and integral with the shaft.
 7. The forceps of claim 6, whereinthe tube is offset relative to the fixed jaw member.
 8. The forceps ofclaim 1, further comprising a blade disposed within the shaft andconfigured to cut tissue disposed between the jaw members.
 9. Theforceps of claim 4, further comprising an actuator configured toselectively deploy and retract the tube.
 10. A method for performing asurgical procedure, comprising: providing a vessel sealing device havingtwo opposable jaw members operably connected to a shaft, at least one ofthe jaw members configured to move relative to the other between an openposition and a clamped position; disposing a suction system proximatethe first and second jaw members that is configured to apply suction toa surgical site upon activation thereof; grasping a vessel between thetwo jaw members; applying electrosurgical energy to seal tissue; andsuctioning bodily fluids from a surgical site during the surgicalprocedure.
 11. The method of claim 10, further comprising: providing thesuction system with a suction tube slidably disposed within the shaft ofthe vessel sealing device; and deploying the tube from a retractedposition to a deployed position to remove fluid and debris from thesurgical site.
 12. A vessel sealer, comprising: a housing having a shaftextending therefrom, the shaft having a longitudinal axis; an endeffector assembly attached at the distal end of the shaft includingfirst and second jaw members, at least one of the jaw members movablerelative to the other between a spaced-apart position and anapproximated position for grasping tissue therebetween, each jaw memberincluding an electrically-conductive tissue-contacting surface adaptedto connect to a source of energy to treat tissue grasped between the jawmembers; and a suction system disposed proximate the first and secondjaw members and configured to apply suction to a surgical site uponactivation thereof, the suction system including a tube slidablydisposed on the shaft radially offset of the second jaw member relativeto the longitudinal axis of the shaft, the tube configured to movebetween a retracted position proximal of a distal end of the first andsecond jaw members to a deployed position wherein at least a portion ofthe tube extends distally of the distal end of the first and second jawmembers.
 13. The vessel sealer of claim 12, wherein the tube is disposedwithin the shaft.
 14. The vessel sealer of claim 12, wherein the tube isconnected to a suction tube deployment device that is operably connectedto the housing.
 15. The vessel sealer of claim 14, wherein the suctiontube deployment device includes an actuator that deploys the tube from aretracted position via at least one of a button, a handle, a mechanicaldeployment system, an electro-mechanical deployment system, a lever, anda slide.